Training of the Twelve
15
that was before Him, but sought to bring to their minds that which
would strengthen their faith, leading them to look forward to the joys
that await the overcomer. He rejoiced in the consciousness that He
could and would do more for His followers than He had promised;
that from Him would flow forth love and compassion, cleansing the
soul temple, and making men like Him in character; that His truth,
armed with the power of the Spirit, would go forth conquering and to
conquer.
“These things I have spoken unto you,” He said, “that in Me ye
might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of
good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
. Christ did not
fail, neither was He discouraged; and the disciples were to show a faith
of the same enduring nature. They were to work as He had worked,
depending on Him for strength. Though their way would be obstructed
by apparent impossibilities, yet by His grace they were to go forward,
despairing of nothing and hoping for everything.
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Christ had finished the work that was given Him to do. He had
gathered out those who were to continue His work among men. And
He said: “I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world,
but these are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep
through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they
may be one, as We are.” “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them
also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may
be one; ... I in them and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in
one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast
loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.”
John 17:10, 11, 20-23
.
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